I've read from Shakespeare & C.S Lewis all the way through to Stephen King & John Grisham, each author amazing & unique in their own right. EPIC legends, that carved out their own worldwide legacies with nothing but paper & ink. Agatha Christie, Danielle Steel, Dr. Seuss, Leo Tolstoy, R. L. Stine Dean Koontz, Jirō Akagawa and the list goes on.

So it is not without evidence, that in my "not so humble opinion", J.K Rowling is the greatest Author in human history~So far {wink wink hint hint}

The first Harry Potter book I read was the fourth one, The Goblet of Fire. I know, weird right? But it was the only one my mum could snag from the library. Reading that book changed my life, it was the first time that I ever truly believe that "a man could change his stars", as it were. To see an author make the words come alive in your mind, to see her go from rags to riches was the absolute, most motivating experience I've ever encountered so far. It was befuddling to have such a book and such an author exist within my lifetime. Possibly the first time I truly began to DREAM BIG.

Joanne "Jo" Rowling, (/ˈroʊlɪŋ/; born 31 July 1965), pen names J. K. Rowling and Robert Galbraith, is a British novelist, screenwriter and film producer best known as the author of the Harry Potter fantasy series. The books have gained worldwide attention, won multiple awards, and sold more than 400 million copies. They have become the best-selling book series in history

5. Words are Immortal

“Words are, in my not-so-humble opinion, our most inexhaustible source of magic. Capable of both inflicting injury, and remedying it.”

Words have the infinite power & unstoppable force to illuminate even the darkest of times. Whether you're journeling, freelancing & just blogging. They offer us true shelter & release from our deepest thoughts & emotions. We need only Write.

4. Imagination is all the Magic we need

“We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the power we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better.”

Granted it would be Beyond cool & awesome to have Harry Potter type Fantasy Magic that can clean the house with wave of a wand, float that Tv remote over when you're on the couch or even put a smile on someone who's having a tough day. But alas, what we have is more tangible and impressive. The power of our imagination. If you can imagine it, you can build it & sometimes, just sometimes, we achive what is beyond our wildest imaginations.

Worldwide Peace, Justice & Love can be achieved, inch by ever loving inch. We just have to start.

3. Failure is Inevitable

“It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all - in which case, you fail by default.”

2. Hope is a choice

“It is our choices...that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

What happens after you fail? Do you give up? or keeping going? Does the fear of failure shut you down or wake you up?

Rejection letters nowadays are very very different. They are generic & the average statement being that "it just not the right fit" for that agent or book publisher.

Way back when, they use to be more detailed & intricately more descriptive. JK Rowling received multiple rejections. Now imagine if only for just a moment, if she had given up after the 5th or 15th letter. Where would this world be without the sheer awesomosity of Harry Potter?

I choose to Believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that I can & Will succeed at what I love to do.

Once you make that choice, once you are determined to never stop until your Dream is achieved~ Anything is possible.

JK Rowling inspired so so So many around the world to read & write at a time when such a thing seemed absurd or too time consuming to even attempt. She even inspired the one's who'd never picked up a book in their lives.
It is my hope that those parents, whose children began avidly reading Harry Potter, are grateful for the change & honor it by encouraging them to read more.

Tuesday, 27 September 2016

A young woman with a troubled past is drawn to a small town in Maine where fairy tales are to be believed.

It borrows elements and characters from Disney films and popular Western fairy tales, including Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin, Little Red Riding Hood, The Prince and the Pauper, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinnochio, Cinderella, Peter Pan, Sleeping Beauty, 101 Dalmatians, The Sword in the Stone, Robin Hood, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Mulan, Brave and Frozen.

Once Upon a Review:

I love how intricately each fairy tale is woven into a modern one. This is the only show where Flashbacks are not annoying and halting to the action. It’s a writers dream. My best friend recommended it to me and I’ve been hooked ever since. Often spending whole days just watching a season.

My favorite portrayal has got to be Rumplestiltskin/Mr. Gold. The unbelievably complex web of events that he manipulated for the singular goal of the love of his son is magical in its own right. I am in awe of the way his character is deviously one step ahead of everyone. The sheer amount of years it took him to accomplish his goal is a MUST SEE. Now that is a true villain that makes you route for him. No one is as powerful or as knowledgeable about magic as he is but the way in which he uses it is what draws you in.

The twists and turns this series takes is nothing short of amazing. At one point I was like, whaaaat?!

Granted the series has suffered lately from bad plotlines and uninteresting character arcs but the initial magic of the show has never been forgotten and it is my hope that they will get back to that soon. The coolest part has got to be the way they remake the characters we all know and love. I won’t tell you who but some of them even turn out as villains! You get to see the flip side of their ‘heroic’ journey and why they are the way they are. The creators of the show go to great lengths to make sure each tale is more originally deviated from than the last.

If you love twists and remakes of your favorite fairy tales, this show is a must see for all ages and draws you in like no other.

Personal rating: 8/10

Once Upon a Season 6:

The season 6 premiere aired this Sunday on the 25th September 2016.

Just when it looks like Storybrooke can enjoy some peace, once more it is threatened by dark forces. The malevolent Mr. Hyde, now separated from Dr. Jekyll, has arrived and brought his fellow inhabitants from the Land of Untold Stories.

Who will save the Savior?

Emma Swan, our resident bad ass super hot & beautiful heroine, is set to face some of her most enduring trials yet.

To make matters worse, Regina's dark half - the Evil Queen - continues to exist despite her heart being crushed; unburdened by a conscience, the Evil Queen has declared war on the heroes.

"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?"

One of my all time favorite quotes/phrases which roughly translates into:

"Who will Guard the Guardians?"

One of my favorite bloggers Elayna Fernandezaka The Positive Mom recently attended an exclusive, all expense trip/event to go behind the scenes on the Once Upon a Time set. There she got to see a screening of the Season Premiere episode.

Friday, 23 September 2016

Have you ever wondered what You would do if you had the insane success of J.K Rowling or Veronica Roth?

What would you do with all that $$$ & influence?

I started my novel, The Cured Rebirth somewhere on the 20th January 2016 and finished my first draft on the 4th February 2016. It was around this time, during my research into what happens After you write a novel, that I came across Veronica Roth's EPIC blog>> http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.co.za/

If you don't know she's the author of the Divergent Series i.e. Dauntless, Shailene Woodley, Factions, Dystopian Thriller, Four, Tris.... Ring any bells?

It was truly her blog that inspired me to start blogging, to create my Author platform. Reading about her journey, going from literally a No-One to Super Stardom AuthorShip. I got to see each step, each milestone & each thought that went through her mind. It was amazing.

It is true Proof that everyone successful starts out with only a BIG Dream, Faith & the determination to go through every trial to achieve it.

There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.

This why I have a BlogSpot website, because one of my favorite authors started here, she didn't need super amazing graphics, a domain name, SEO and all that other jazz. While I respect that and know it serves a purpose. Some of my coolest friends have awesome domain websites, I enjoy their blogs and admire their expertise in the niche they post in.

My path is just different, is all.

Success = Belief + Preparation

Before Veronica was famous, she had a Vision, a vision of where she wanted her life to go. She even created a step by step list of what she would do should she achieve her goals.

1. Buy a House

Her Answer: "Anyway, when I say "house," I don't mean "giant monstrosity." I mean a nice little house with a nice little yard...possibly in Green Lake, Wisconsin..."

My Answer: I would buy my parents a house first, preferably a beach house in Kwa Zulu Natal, Durban so my parents can retire to a life of relaxation & my dad can be close to his massive family.

My dream is to own an open space Loft with Large windows overlooking the city & an impressive book collection upon a uniquely designed bookshelf. My bedroom will be upon a perch type floor above the loft. I'll have stairs to go up & a light blue slide to come down. This main loft will be in Tokyo, Japan. I'm definitely getting an on-call chef and/or a butler. haha

Something similar to this...

2. Donate

Her Answer:"I have an organization in mind. Particularly given some of the themes Divergent (briefly) touches on. And some of the problems the kids in my old high school seem to be facing recently."

My Answer: I have always been a massive supporter of Volunteer work as well as Donating to Non-profit organizations, especially those that stand for something I affiliate with personally. For example, after I got back from my birthday vacation in Tokyo, Japan was hit with that Tsunami. It sucked that I couldn't be there to physically help, but I immediately jumped on board with donating & garnering support as best I could.

Last year I did Voluntours {which is basically travelling while doing volunteer work} all around South Africa. It was one of the most fulfilling and wondrous experiences of my life. More than most things, if I had loads of $$$, this is what I would do. Travel the world & do volunteer work.

3. Invest

Her Answer:"Yes, I really am that lame person who answers this question this way."

My Answer: My investments would be towards the betterment of mankind & a sustainable future for our children. I would invest in Go-Green type projects, Reading programs, Save the Books campaigns to ensure the survival of not only our species but also our literature. Whether digital or in paper form, the written word & stories MUST live on forever. Words Are Immortal!

I would most inevitably and whole-heartedly invest in my Ghost Cars Idea!

Flying cars are so over-done.Teleporters are so over-done. Try this on.

4. Be Irresponsible {Wink Wink}

Her Answer: "At that point, after all my sensible uses of money are done, I would do the following things:

A. Fill a pool with mini marshmallows and jump into it.B. Rent out a cafeteria and have a GIANT FOOD FIGHT. Really. C. Statewide scavenger hunt. A few groups of people, a few strategically placed clues in the wilderness of Illinois...funtimes all around.D. I would go to this site and go totally nuts. For example, I would purchase this LED faucet light that changes color depending on the temperature of your water:

This is one of my favorite moments on her blog, she actually did it! When she got the book deal and her dreams were just starting to come true, she filled a tub with MarshMallows! Yes, you heard me, MarshMallows. You GOTTA Watch this video.

My Answer: This is absolutely why my absolute dream literary agent would have to be, Joanna Volpe. She not only went above & beyond for her Author but she also jumped in that tub with Veronica! Now there's someone who's not only passionate about her job but also knows how to have some fun!

Quit wasting time in traffic jams – now you can fly yourself to any destination with the personal jetpack. Codenamed the Martin jetpack, this James Bond like personal transportation equipment is set to revolutionize the way individuals take flight.

5. WRITE ALL THE TIME

Her Answer: "But really, after all is said and done, what I would mostly do with a whole lot of cash is WRITE ALL THE TIME. Day jobs? Pshh. Who needs them? If I could just set up a nice little room in which I could write all day and supply myself with infinite tea, I'd be pretty much good."

Veronica also wrote an EPIC post with another awesome step by step list called:

My Answer:BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND. My ultimate plan is to become a full time, published Author. It doesn't matter how long it takes, how much hardship I face, how many naysayers villify me, how impossible it may seem or even how much money I make.

All I truly care about is being an Author & writing stories.

The stuff that comes after, like who reads those stories & whether or not it's mondo loved...That's something I cannot control, therefore I let go of the fear & worry holding me back.

Wednesday, 21 September 2016

Happy International Women's Day!
On this day of days, I get to feature an unbelievably powerful soul amidst the chaos that is the World. One of the most influential and bravest women this world has ever known.

Ever since I heard of Malala, I have been a massive fan & supporter of what she stands for. She's inspired so many all around the world & not just girls but more importantly; I have mad respect for the fact that she is advocating for reading & books. I remember the interview on Oprah where she said she was on the bus & when the terrorist asked for Malala, she got up without hesitation. Such bravery, such fortitude, such impossible courage. Through it all she survived & like a Phoenix, rose from the ashes, more powerful & iridescent than ever before.

There are so many places in this world where women are not treated equally. Sometimes it's the actual law and worse still, sometimes it's the unwritten rules. This frustrates me to no end. One of my favorite presidents of all time, Nelson Mandela believed in a "Rainbow Nation", where all are equal.
As a man you should vow to never oppress not only woman, but anyone you come accross.
As a woman you should vow to never Be oppressed, no matter the circumstance.

4. F.E.A.R – False Evidence Appearing Real

“I am Stronger than Fear.”

"I said to myself, Malala, you must be Brave. You must not be afraid of anyone.You are only trying to get an education. You are not committing a Crime."

“People ask me, what special is in my mentorship which has made Malala so bold and so courageous and so vocal and poised? I tell them, don't ask me what I did. Ask me what I did not do. I did not clip her wings, and that's all.” ~ ‎Ziauddin Yousafzai, Father of Malala

Probably the most important lesson for everyone on this planet. It has never been your duty on this earth to clip anyone's wings.

No matter the dream, no matter the goal, no matter the crazy sounding idea.

When a friend, family member, or even a stranger comes to you with their ambition - Ask yourself, is it absolutely, positively Your Duty to dissuade,discourage or otherwise push them from it?

For all parents, I implore you from the bottom of my soul with true evidence of the power of a child. Be there, to support, encourage & most of all, never doubt. For children are the true innovators & world changers. Just imagine what this world would be had Malala's father been part of those who treat women as unequal? Would those empowered girls, encouraged to read books around the world now, even exist?

2. Dreams Are Our Future

"Let us make our future now, and let us make our tomorrow's reality." --From a speech at Harvard in September 2013.

Dream BIG & Never give up Until you achieve it!

1. The Principle of One

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

If we want to achieve our goal, the let us empower ourselves with the weapon of Knowledge and let us shield ourselves with Unity & Togetherness.
Let us wage a glorious struggle against illiteracy, poverty & terrorism. Let us pick up our books, and our pens, they are our Most powerful weapons.

Tuesday, 20 September 2016

One of my favorite days of the week has arrived, iiiiiiitS #TravelTuesdayTravel is a Billion Dollar industry almost teasing at Trillion Dollar status, Why?Because EVERYONE loves to travel!

Today I have the extreme privilege to feature a man who's achieved an impossible goal by following his dream and never giving up. It's people like him that offer true proof that it is possible to dream the impossible, to start with nothing and accomplish anything through passion & hard work.
When I first saw Henrik's profile, I was immediately drawn by the phrase "Visited every country in the world". I invite you to think about that, the vastness of this world & he has traveled it!

He's a 28-year-old Dane travelling to all 325 countries and territories in the world. He has been to every country in the world and currently has 36 territories left to visit. He's hitchhiked with more than 1,000 different cars around the world, flown with more than 200 different airlines, and has been on four of the world’s greatest train journeys.

36-year-old Norwegian Gunnar Garfors held the record for being the youngest person in the world to have traveled to every single country on Earth - but his record has just been beaten.

The adventure began in Egypt at the age of 17.

Now Danish 28-year-old Henrik Jeppesen has just become the record holder for being the youngest person in the world to have traveled to every single country on Earth!

Q: What are your favorite countries?

A: It's such a difficult question to answer. I love many countries for different reasons. Italy and France for the food. South Africa has a lot to offer for travelers while Iran probably has the friendliest people in the world. Here is a top 10 list

His Number One Pick is my home land of South Africa! Hopefully this means I'll get to meet him when he's here again :-)

"My favorite country in the world for many reasons. The diversity, the people, the food, the cities, the countryside, nature, the animals and the affordability are some of the things that come to mind."

A: I am from Denmark. I grew up in the Thy-district of Northwestern Jutland, where Denmark later got its first national park, called National Park Thy.

Hotel D'Angleterre in Copenhagen

Q: Do you travel alone?

A: Yes. I would say I have traveled alone more than 95% of the time. It's difficult for friends and family to take time off. I would of course like to find a girlfriend to join me in travelling full-time, but where to find her?

Q: Window or Aisle Seat?

A: Window seat. Very important for me on long flights.

Q:What is your dream destination you haven't been to yet? A: Although I have been to every country, there are still many destinations in the world I haven't been. Many places in the countryside of Europe are places I dream of visiting plus far away islands like Pitcairn Island and Niue.

Q: Favorite food?A: Fine dining by far. With food I feel you pretty much get what you pay for. The Michelin-starred restaurants have those stars for a reason.

Great dinner at Michelin-starred,

L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon in

London. Suitable for vegetarians.

Q: Favorite cuisine?A: Italian or French.

Q: Any food dietary requirements? (Often asked by restaurants or hotels in my journey)A: I don't eat meat, but I am not a vegetarian or vegan as it is difficult as a full-time traveler. I also don't drink alcohol. I try to eat 100% organic, but again as a full-time traveler it's also something that is difficult.

I will update this post with all the exciting news & pretty views as they develop this weekend. It's going to be one helluva awesome experience for all those who attend.

As voted by the popular demand this Travel coloring image was chosen. It is also one of the excercizes from the book>>> to color it in.

Finally got around to coloring in mine, I have to admit it's been most rewarding in undeniable therapeutic fashion.

I certainly felt the tension release from my shoulders while coloring in this image. Secrets to Shine Through The Noise is filled with amazing nuggets like these just waiting for you to explore and achieve. Get your copy now :-)

Here's some Friday Feeling Music & Motivation Vibes

Did you know? Theo James of the Divergent & Underworld fame can sing!

Theo was the frontman of band Makora, before becoming singer and guitarist for the band Shere Khan.